I tend to agree with Curt's picks for the most part, but I would make one change. I would actually move Fontana (MAVTV 500) to the top of the list and place Indianapolis second. Now, don't get me wrong. The Indianapolis 500 is always my favorite race of the year and the racing this year was fantastic. Having said that, I think Fontana was actually the best race of the year. Indianapolis set a record for most lead changes, but admittedly some of those lead changes were teammates Dixon and Franchitti just taking turns at the point to help each other on fuel runs. Many of the passes also had a hanford-esque feel. (If you are not familiar with this, google CART late 90's and Hanford Device). Basically the trailing car going into turn one had a big enough aerodynamic pull to slingshot past the lead car. It's still a pass for the lead, but it is 'sort of' artificial. Again, don't get me wrong, I loved this year's 500! Now contrast that type of passing with Fontana. At Fontana, there were multiple lines (high and low) and the passes seemed less about the aero draft and more about drivers hanging it out on the edge.

The other factors that lead to Fontana being my favorite race of 2012 include:

The race within the race (RHR chasing down the championship)

Multiple Storylines

JR Hildebrand (Before a slight brush with the wall that destroyed the handling midway through the race, JR seemed ready to pick up his first ever win. He was untouchable in the first half of the race)

Tony Kanaan (For a while it seemed that TK would get his first win driving for KV Racing, but then the cowling of his car starting coming apart. Can TK catch a break?)

Marco Andretti (I think Marco might have been able to contend for the race, but instead accepted his teammate role and ran as a wingman for RHR.)

Helio Castroneves (In the closing laps, Helio was intend on getting his car in front of RHR to move him back in points. His crew put him on new tires twice during the late yellows. He was on a tear to catch up with RHR and he may have been able to do it if Sato hadn't crashed bringing out the yellow to end the race)

Ed Carpenter (You have to love cheering for the American underdog. A great win for Ed Carpenter Racing in its first season as a team)

All of that made for a thoroughly enjoyable race. Nothing compares to the 500 in terms of magnitude. The two hours before the green flag automatically make the 500 my favorite race of the year. So, Indianapolis was my favorite, but I think Fontana was the best of the season.

Now, I can't wait for March and St. Petersburg.

Also, if you haven't seen it yet, the trailer for the Dreamwork's movie, Turbo, is now out. You can view it here: